PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or related field (exceptional MS candidates considered)
10+ years of hands-on experience in designing and building laser systems
Deep expertise in external cavity laser architectures, fiber lasers, or semiconductor laser design
Strong understanding of laser physics, noise processes, and thermal effects
Proven experience taking laser concepts from lab demonstration to robust prototype
Comfortable working hands-on in the lab with optical benches and diagnostics
Responsibilities
Architect and develop new laser platforms from concept to early productization
Lead the design of external cavity, fiber, and semiconductor laser architectures
Define optical, electrical, thermal, and mechanical requirements for new systems
Perform optical design, cavity design, and noise optimization
Design experiments to characterize laser performance metrics
Drive technology trade studies and select optimal architectures
Collaborate with photonics integration, electronics, and reliability teams
Mentor engineers and set technical best practices
Author documentation and support design transition to production
Benefits
Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
Fidelity 401(k) plan with 4% employer matching
20 paid time off (PTO) days per year
13 paid company holidays
9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off)
Full Job Description
Join our fast-paced and passionate team as a Principal Laser Scientist New Laser Development. As we scale, you will be instrumental in building our foundation from the ground up. This is a dynamic, hands-on role for a self-starter who thrives in a fluid startup environment. You'll have the opportunity to work on cutting edge technologies, work closely with leadership, and develop and implement engineering practices that support our mission and growth. Your key responsibilities are as follows:
Architect and develop new laser platforms from concept through prototype and early productization
Lead laser design across multiple architectures:
External cavity lasers (free-space and fiber-based)
Fiber lasers and amplifiers
Semiconductor lasers (DFB, DBR, FP, ECL gain chips)
Define optical, electrical, thermal, and mechanical requirements for new laser systems.
Perform and guide:
Optical design and modeling
Cavity design, mode control, linewidth and noise optimization
Drive technology trade studies and down-select architectures based on performance, manufacturability, and cost
Collaborate closely with:
Photonics integration and packaging teams
Electronics and control systems engineers
Reliability and manufacturing engineering
Mentor senior and junior engineers; set technical direction and best practices.
Author technical documentation, invention disclosures, and peer-reviewed publications as appropriate.
Support transition of designs to production, including design for test and design for manufacturability.
Requirements
This position requires access to export-controlled information. Employment is contingent upon the applicant being a U.S. person as defined by 8 U.S.C. a7 1324b(a)(3).
Experience:
PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or related field (exceptional MS candidates considered).
10+ years of hands-on experience designing and building laser systems.
Skills:
Deep expertise in at least two of the following:
External cavity laser architectures
Fiber lasers and fiber amplifiers
Semiconductor laser design and physics
Strong understanding of:
Laser physics and cavity dynamics
Noise processes (linewidth, phase noise, RIN)
Thermal effects and opto-mechanical stability
Proven experience taking laser concepts from lab demonstration to robust prototype
Comfortable working hands-on in the lab (optical benches, fiber splicing, diagnostics)
Preferred Skills:
Experience with narrow linewidth, low-noise, or widely tunable lasers.
Background in one or more application areas:
Telecommunications
LIDAR
Sensing or metrology
Quantum, atomic, or coherent optical systems
Familiarity with:
PIC-based lasers or hybrid integration
Control loops, frequency locking, and stabilization techniques
Reliability, lifetime testing, and environmental qualification
Track record of patents or high-impact publications
Startup Mindset:
You're creative, flexible, and eager to wear multiple hats.
You're passionate about building systems from the ground up and comfortable with ambiguity and change.
Benefits
The expected annual salary range for this position is $170,000-$240,000.
As a full-time employee, you will be eligible for Monarch's comprehensive benefits package, which includes:
